This will not be the easiest site you have ever read. It is not about an easy subject.

Nowhere here will you find any statement to the effect that creative thinking — the active use of imagination — is an easy task.

Creative Executive...

Nor will you find any secret formulas or magic phrases that can produce million-dollar ideas for you.

In fact, if the writer occasionally makes a categorical statement that appears to be the answer, it was not intended that way. By its nature, creativity is infinite — there is always a better way and always a worse way.

Therefore, there are no real answers.

There are preferred ways, and apparently better ways. But not answers.

This was planned to do several things:

To help you develop an increased sensitivity to problems, needs, and opportunities in business.

To build your knowledge of problem-solving procedures, and the aids to thinking more creatively.

By removing some of the "mystery" that has always clouded the subject of creativity, to help you to gain self-confidence in applying principles and using techniques that have helped others.

To explain some of the background that is necessary to create the kind of "climate" that will encourage more creative kinds of thinking on the part of associates and subordinates.

Eileen McDargh is an author, radio commentator, organizational development consultant, acclaimed international speaker, and retreat facilitator. Eileen is the author of four books and is a frequent contributor to numerous business journals. Visit her web
f5d In a data-driven world, facts and figures are the order of the day in sales calls, employee meetings, board rooms, and political assemblies. Traditionally, when a person is trying to convince someone else to do something they use the logic of benefits and features - long the sacred domain of anyone in sales.

And they are missing the boat.

What truly moves us as human beings, what prompts us into action, is emotion. Imagination is the conduit of emotion and well-crafted storytelling carries the imagination.

Consider this story:

You place your hand on top of your head, only to feel the sun radiate from your scalp. Sweat trickles down your back and the once ironed shirt clings to your sides. The pavement roasts your feet even through your thick-soled shoes. You've been walking for a 45 minutes, trying to find the office where you are scheduled to make a sales call. Suddenly, a swoosh of cold air swirls at your side as a young couple comes charging out of an ice cream parlor, licking swirls of raspberry and vanilla perched in a sugar cone…

I'll bet you're ready for some ice cream!

What engaged you was the reliving of a common experience. I didn't need to itemize the benefits of cooling off or list the features of ice cream and this particular store. You were drawn in by your imagination. Facts tell. Emotion sells. You imagined how you would win over the odds of heat by taking a break for ice cream.

We follow leaders who capture us by stories that draw us in and give us purpose for being part of the company. We buy products when we see or read of the human experience with that product. (Remember the Maytag Man?) And we accept the call to action if we hear a compelling story about triumph over odds. Think about the solicitation letters you get from non-profits. They are often stories of individuals who suffered greatly until the non-profit's product allowed them to regain a semblance of their life.

In short, crafting compelling, honest stories that resonant core values in action is a skill worth learning by any leader, manager, sales executive, or parent.

In his best-selling book Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting, Robert McKee, the world's best-known and most respected screenwriting lecturer, argues that stories fulfill a profound human need to grasp the patterns of living-not merely as an intellectual exercise, but within a very personal, emotional experience. Or as USC leadership guru Dr. Warren Bennis states, Man cannot live without story any more than he can live without bread.
What's the point you want to make at your next meeting? Is there a story that can be crafted to that point-not a sermon to be intoned?

Who has used your product and reported a wonderful story that came as a result of that product? Or did you even say, Tell me a story…

What stories are told in the coffee room about what it is like to work where you are? What contribution could you make to this story that could improve the ending?

What future do you want? Create a story about it.

Remember, people are not inspired to act by reason alone. The heart holds hands with the head.

© 2003 by Eileen McDargh. All rights reserved

About the Author

Eileen McDargh is an author, radio commentator, organizational development consultant, acclaimed international speaker, and retreat facilitator. Eileen is the author of four books and is a frequent contributor to numerous business journals. Visit her web site www.eileenmcdargh.com or contact her toll free at 877-477-4718.

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